5K races near Ligonier

The Chernisky Ghost Town Trail-a-thon is an October trail event held at Duman Lake County Park in Ebensburg, Pennsylvania. This event concludes the Cambria County Trails Series, which features one event on each county trail. It utilizes the Ghost Town Trail, a route previously named a Pennsylvania Trail of the Year. Participants can select a marathon, 15-miler, 5k, adaptive-device 5k, firefighter turnout gear 5k, or the "Couch Potato 0.0k" for those preferring not to race. The longer running races conclude at Duman Lake County Park. Transportation will be available from the finish area to the marathon and 15-mile start locations. The cycling option is a relaxed 26.2-mile group ride. It begins at Duman Lake County Park and travels to the Twin Rocks trailhead, following the Ghost Town Trail and C & I Extension. Cyclists may use the aid stations designated for runners. Youth participation in the series is free, and all proceeds benefit the improvement and expansion of Cambria County trails.

The Bryon Martini Jr. 5K Memorial Run/Walk is a 5 km community run and walk held at Washington Run Park in Perryopolis, Pennsylvania, scheduled for early October. A Kiddie K is also part of the event, allowing families to participate even if not all members wish to complete the full 5K. The race honors Bryon Martini Jr. and supports local causes. All proceeds provide scholarships for graduating seniors at Frazier High School. Participants will also find raffles and T-shirts available on race day.

The Jingle All the Way 5K & 10K is a holiday-themed race held in December at The Water's Edge Park in Corpus Christi, Texas. Participants can choose between a 5K run/walk and a 10K, both beginning in the early morning. A 1K race for children aged 10 and under takes place just before the main events. The event caters to local runners, walkers, and families, not exclusively serious competitors. The 1K race is not chip timed, and every child finisher receives a ribbon. Race shirts have sold out for the 5K, 10K, and kids' race. A previous participant noted the small-group start format provided a safer method for runners to begin.

Cupid's Chase 5K Derry provides runners with relationship-status T-shirts: white for "Available" and red for "Unavailable." This Valentine’s Day-themed 5K begins at 10 a.m. in Westmoreland County, run as part of Community Options Inc.’s national Cupid’s Chase series. The nonprofit uses the race to support adults with intellectual disabilities, with proceeds helping fund home upgrades, job assistance, and related services. The Derry branch runs in Keystone State Park. The local race typically uses Legion-Keener Park in Latrobe when available. It usually draws about 100 participants. Nearby Cupid’s Chase races also occur in Butler and Pittsburgh, part of events across 12 U.S. states. The day includes giveaways, Dunkin’ Donuts coffee and treats, food and water for runners, raffles, and winner rewards. Stephen Hall of Community Options has noted people meeting through Cupid’s Chase races, dating, and in one instance marrying.

The full marathon is a certified Boston Marathon Qualifier, running two loops of the half marathon course. First-time half or full marathon finishers receive a special plaque and finisher's medal. SWAG includes a T-shirt, finisher's medal, and ankle running socks. Service members and their families receive a 10% discount. A non-binary registration option includes its own awards.

This Mother's Day, the Mother's Day Run for the Roses is a point-to-point run. It is part of the Great Allegheny Ohiopyle Marathon Race Festival and the Great Appalachian Valley Race series. The event attracts 1-50 participants.